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About the EDA
Economic Development Authority (EDA)
The City of Falls Church Economic Development Authority was created to advise City Council on economic development issues and proposals and to perform a wide range of functions authorized by Virginia statute. The EDA provides community education programs, conducts research, purchases, leases and sells property, provides tax exempt financing, and supports projects and programs that promote business and investment in the City.
In recent years, the EDA has hired consulting experts to complete a retail market study, a retail recruitment strategy, and a Big Picture Study of economic trends impacting the City. The EDA has hosted a series of educational forums examining retail trends, the hotel industry and markets, mixed use development, urban planning for higher density development, and other timely topics. The EDA has provided City Council with recommendations on each major new development proposal in Falls Church City with a special focus on fiscal impact as measured by the Cost Revenue Impact Model created by consultants Tischler Bise in 2002 with EDA funding.
The EDA has awarded grants for FIRSTfriday, Watch Night, and the  "Treats and Eats" dining guide. Industrial Revenue Bond financing for the $23 million Tax Analysts headquarters on South Maple Avenue was initiated by the EDA. Pending transactions involving EDA-owned property have been critical to the approval of the $315 million City Center South project.
EDA Grant Guidelines & Application
The EDA awards grant funds to activities that specifically promote economic development in the City of Falls Church. These activities should meet any or all of the following requirements: provide the City additional exposure to the Greater Washington area, improve the City's business climate, create new jobs, and generally support the economic development goals of the City and the City Council's vision statement as it relates to making the City business climate and business community more inclusive of diverse populations.
EDA Grant Guidelines and Application
Branding Initiative: "The Little City"
One recent goal of the Economic Development Authority was to develop a "brand" for the City of Falls Church. The purpose of the project is "to make it easier for people and businesses who want the Falls Church community-based lifestyle to find it." To assist in the project, the EDA retained the Falls Church marketing firm of SmithGifford Communications to provide brand development services. "The Little City" branding project was presented in early December 2009.
Meeting Schedule
The EDA meets at 7:00 p.m. the first Tuesday of most months in City Hall, unless otherwise announced. The January and July meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month.
Member Information
The Authority's seven-member Board of Directors is appointed by the City Council for four-year terms. Two City Council members and the City Manager are ex-officio members of the EDA and there is a Planning Commission liaison.
David Tarter, Chairman
Edward Saltzberg, Vice Chairman
Michael Novotny, Treasurer
Phil Duncan
Andy Rankin
Vacant
Vacant
Staff Liaison
Richard Goff
Director, Economic Development
703-248-5491 (TTY 711)
City Council Liaisons
Council Member Nader Baroukh
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